Kentucky River Lock & Dam 11

KENTUCKY RIVER· Madison, Kentucky· Built 1906· Concrete· 35 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply State Government

Key Takeaway

Kentucky River Lock & Dam 11 is classified as significant hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1906 and is 120 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 35 ft (taller than 63.7% in KY)
Dam Length260 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage14.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage6.9K acre-ft
Drainage Area3,219 sq mi
Year Completed1906 (120 years old)
NID IDKY01203

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: October 11, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KY Division of Water

Ownership

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Kentucky River Lock & Dam 11?

Kentucky River Lock & Dam 11 is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Kentucky River Lock & Dam 11?

Kentucky River Lock & Dam 11 is owned by COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Kentucky River Lock & Dam 11 built?

Kentucky River Lock & Dam 11 was completed in 1906, making it 120 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Kentucky River Lock & Dam 11?

Kentucky River Lock & Dam 11 serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Kentucky River Lock & Dam 11?

Kentucky River Lock & Dam 11 has a dam height of 35 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Kentucky River Lock & Dam 11 last inspected?

Kentucky River Lock & Dam 11 was last inspected on October 11, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.